This beach is incredible...2 miles of the most incredible surf I've ever seen and however busy it gets it never seems crowded.

Miss Morgan
September 2011

Felt like I was a kid again

The beach is huge....3miles of it! Although it's a sandy beach, the sand never actually dried out during our visit. But that was great for sandcastle building. Plenty of surfers make use of the beach and the rock pools are fantastic. Great fish and chip shop just up from the beach. Parking is easy. Definitely worth a visit.

Mr and Mrs Douglas-Mann
September 2010

Vast expanses of golden sand

Westward Ho! beach is a 'Blue Flag' beach, offering vast expanses of golden sand. Good for surfing, it is patrolled by lifeguards and is one of the safest in the area. An added attraction for youngsters are the many rock pools to explore at low tide.

Nearest walk

A pretty established nature reserve consisting of grassland, meadows, woodland and ponds, and all the associated flora and fauna including orchids, butterflies, dragonflies and hares. The area is accessed via the famous Tarka Trail so don your walking boots or cycle helmets and get out in the great outdoors (not currently entirely suitable for poor mobility or pushchairs). It is also connected to the Devon Wildlife Trust's newest acquisition, the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve, if you fancy a longer walk.

Nearest town

Perched on an inland clifftop over the River Torridge, there are some fabulous views in all directions and lots of history to discover as you wander the Pannier Market and bump into historical reenactments along the Tarka Way.

Also nearby

Set deep in the north Devon countryside, The Rosemoor estate was once the home of Lady Anne Palmer. Lady Anne developed a passion for plants when she met noted plantsman Colllingwood Ingram while recuperating from measles in Spain. Over the next 30 years, she travelled the world to collect specimens for her garden, which she gave to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. The estate now comprises 65 acres of land, which includes rose gardens, a winter garden, a fruit and vegetable garden, a formal garden, woodlands, and many stream and lakeside plantings, making Rosemoor an enchanting place to visit whatever the season.

February 2009

Beautiful, well-managed gardens, well worth a visit whatever the season.

October 2008

The garden is absolutely gorgeous and very well looked after. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the restaurant had great locally sourced food. A great day out for adults and children.

August 2008

Roses Galore!

The rose collection - one of the largest in the West Country - is very impressive. In full bloom in the summer, the scent of over 2,000 flowers is quite sensational. The Rose Weekend, held in June, was very informative, with advice on growing your own, as well as walks and activities for children.

This fun day out gives you the opportunity to learn the art of archery. Then put your newly taught skill to the test on dinosaurs, wolves and armoured knights! Much more than just target shooting.

Mrs Selby
October 2014

Fantastic Family Fun!

Dragon Archery is the place to be if you want to try archery for the first time or if you are more experienced. Great challenges suitable for all ages from 8+. Really friendly encouraging team giving one to one coaching to help you get the most out of your experience. Suitable for all weathers...we went on a very wet and windy day in October! Only advice is BOOK EARLY as this attraction is very very popular!! If you are lucky enough to go along, you will see why.

Mrs Worsfold
June 2011

A 3 hour archery session which involves shooting dinosaurs, amongst other things not just targets. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I wasn't expecting to. All equipment was supplied, and we were taught very well how to use it. Rather than just having targets to aim at, there are a number of themed areas including dinosaurs and orcs. The time passed very quickly and owners were very friendly and helpful.

Several kilometres of track wend their way through this 142-acre reserve. Start from one of the two car parks for various circular routes that take in woodland, fields and the banks of the River Torridge

Mr and Mrs Douglas-Mann
August 2017

Through the woods and along the banks of the Torridge.

An old ruined mill covered in ivy, a pebbly beach by the side of the river to skim stones, and a trail up into the woods and along old, beaten paths through this nature reserve looked after by Devon Wildlife Trust makes this a perfect outing to observe our beautiful Devon countryside. Our walk took about two hours, perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll. There are hides ranged around the reserve from which to view the wildlife.

A retro delight, to take tea back in the forties and fifties close to the seafront at Westward Ho!. A traditional tearoom with cakes and light bites to be washed down with a variety of teas and coffee. This lovely little cafe was voted the best for 2011/2012 in the North Devon Food Awards.

Mrs Adams
August 2015

Still fantastic!

We first found Tea on the Green in 2012, and whenever we've been anywhere close (that means within a 1 and half hour drive!!) we've always spent the day at Westward Ho! and included something to eat here. The lunches are great, with excellent choices (you won't go hungry) and the cakes are magnificent. It's always busy though, so you have to be prepared to wait or maybe sit outside.

Mrs Shippam
September 2014

The cream teas really are to die for!

Mrs Burton
September 2012

A visit a must if you are in Westward Ho

What a lovely little place to stop for tea and cake. Although it was next to where we were staying whatever time of day we walked past it was always full and we determined to try it during our week in Westward Ho so waited across the road until a table outside was empty and ran across before another lucky person was able to sample their lovely food and surroundings. Just amazing.

Mrs Selby
April 2012

WOW!!!! The MOST incredible tea shop!

You MUST visit this tea shop! From the outside it's easy to miss or walk past as its not big but once inside it is just fantastic. all decor and music is 1950's and there is so much attention to detail especially the lovely crockery. But best of all the menu is amazing. Cakes are delicious and such a great choice of drinks and food. I'd recommend booking a table to avoid any disappointment!

This cycle and walking route runs for 11 miles between Lydford and Okehampton along a disused railway line. The route forms part of the National Cycle network with Okehampton the most popular start point where bicycles can be hired locally. The off road track has the advantage of being mostly traffic free. Meldon Viaduct offers spectacular views across the moors.

Mr Allen
March 2018

Ahh the sound of traffic!

I love walking, but I couldn't wait to get off this one. We made it from Okehampton to the Meldon Viaduct before abandoning The Granite Way and heading to the moors - it was the only way to escape the A30's roaring traffic! The subsequent walk through the valley to Meldon reservoir and over the moors to Shortacombe was great though!

Mr Mearns
September 2015

Kid friendly cycle

Start from the station where you can hire bikes ( we bought our own) there is a youth hostel there in case you need to pick up basic supplies like chocolate and water! I did this with my 5 year old boy- it was not great weather but we cycled to meld on viaduct and back in less than an hour ( total of about 4 miles) and it was enjoyed by both of us - some lovely views and a nice safe easy ride- the only bit on the road is from the very quiet station to the start of the path ( we did this on a rainy day in August)

Mrs Pascoe
February 2015

Great for the average cyclist

The cycleway starts at the old Okehampton Station (you can park right there) and is very easy to follow. There are a few gentle hills - nothing that strenuous - so it really is suitable for all ages and abilities. The scenery is beautiful - I'd recommend stopping off at the Bearslake Inn for a swift refreshment! - and it's very easy for an averagely fit cyclist to ride from Okehampton down to Lydford Gorge and back in around 4 hours with time for stop offs.

Mrs Warburton
November 2011

From Okehampton station join the Granite Way Walk (cycle route 27) which follows the Dartmoor railway line. It is predominantly tarmac so no dirty puddles to avoid and ideal for bike riders of all ages, with only gentle inclines. A comfortable 3 mile walk will take you to Meldon Viaduct which gives stunning views over the moor and Meldon Reservoir Dam. Another mile or so gets you to the reservoir. At the Viaduct there is a converted railway carriage which provides a small cafe - seems only to be open at weekends which is a real shame as mid week in half term there were plenty of walkers and cyclists who I'm sure would have stopped for a welcome cuppa !